That is the same range that my 96 F150 351 runs in, right about the "O" in normal, no matter what the outside temp is.

 

You can also use it to check the efficiency of your transmission fluid cooling coil. Shoot the tube leading to & coming from the transmission. If little temp change, add a can of "Transtune" to your Transmission fluid. Drive 100 miles & re-check. There will be a marked improvement in the thermal transfer efficiency of your cooling coil. Twenty degrees will cut a transmissions life expectancy by 50%. Most transmissions don't fail their owners without their owners failing their transmissions first. Low fluid levels &/or poor maintenance (fluid changes, primarily). Synthetic fluids are the way to add years to engine & tranny life.

 

The sign of a healthy coolant system! Not necessarily staying on the "O", as that is somewhat relative, but the fact that additional load or external temps have little effect on it. This engine could easily absorb a base timing increase. (assuming your 96 is distributor, not coil pack)

 

Mine with a 300 has always run on the N or cooler, never makes a difference on the load on the engine

 

I took my truck to the local Merchant's Tire and they told me that due to the miles, they would not change my transmission fluid. They told me that if they tried, it would mess up my transmission and that any built up gunk was probably making the transmission work. I thought it was a load of bull, but I didn't press the issue. I figure if they don't want to do the work, then I can take my money elsewhere.

 

Good call! I'm a Commercial/ Industrial machine Tech. That's B.S.

Run a can of "Transtune" for 100 miles before you do a change. Your tranny drivability will improve as varnish & sludge liquifies, even before the fluid change is preformed.

 

I work for a LARGE company that does minor tire/lube work, The reason they do that is to cover their tail in the event that something were to happen after they changed it, you wouldnt believe how many people bring old beater cars that have major knocking in and expect us to change the oil, we cant do it do to the fact that we would be the last ones to work on it if it did go out.

 

True dat! 30 or 50k miles too late, they expect to be miraculously healed by a tranny fluid change. Or as you point out, a strange sound is now being heard because of the sludge is no longer there, deadening sound &/or the fluid viscosity is different.

 

I understand the concern and I would have believed a simple explanation of liability, but telling me that by now my transmission needs the built up sludge to run left me more than slightly incredulous.

 

Now, you got me thinking. I'm gonna look for a repair shop who's motto is "Never left a customer feeling incredulous,so far!"....but then, one man's incredulous ceiling, is anther man's incredulous floor!

Not sure where I'm going w/ this, but having fun anyway!